Is there a benefit to have SS brake lines?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 701
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
04 E55, 12 GL 450(wife)
Is there a benefit to have SS brake lines?
I was thinking of upgrading my brake lines to SS. Has anyone done this? Is there really any positive benefits if I don't track the car?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
There is good and bad.
In theory, the SS lines are much more rigid than the rubber ones and so do not need to compress and build pressure, making them quicker to respond. Basically, you are sending a hydraulic signal from point a to point b. Liquids do not compress, so the only remaining factor is the housing they are in.
My personal experience with them is that I like the pedal feel better. It is more responsive since the rubber is not there to absorb the vibrations.
Now, our cars only have the hydraulics from the SBC unit to the corners. We are drive by wire from the pedal to the unit. This means two things for us. First, the difference you will notice is less, since you have less rubber to stretch anyway. Second, we have no pedal feel anyway so that advantage goes away.
The bad? I have heard of many SS lines snapping, since they are so rigid. They aren't that expensive and can be done easily so your call.
In theory, the SS lines are much more rigid than the rubber ones and so do not need to compress and build pressure, making them quicker to respond. Basically, you are sending a hydraulic signal from point a to point b. Liquids do not compress, so the only remaining factor is the housing they are in.
My personal experience with them is that I like the pedal feel better. It is more responsive since the rubber is not there to absorb the vibrations.
Now, our cars only have the hydraulics from the SBC unit to the corners. We are drive by wire from the pedal to the unit. This means two things for us. First, the difference you will notice is less, since you have less rubber to stretch anyway. Second, we have no pedal feel anyway so that advantage goes away.
The bad? I have heard of many SS lines snapping, since they are so rigid. They aren't that expensive and can be done easily so your call.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 701
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
04 E55, 12 GL 450(wife)
Thanks for the feedback.
I figured that having the SS lines would have positive and negative factors. If I don't plan to track the car I don't see the need. I was curious to see if there are any benefits for daily driving.
I figured that having the SS lines would have positive and negative factors. If I don't plan to track the car I don't see the need. I was curious to see if there are any benefits for daily driving.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,139
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
There is good and bad.
In theory, the SS lines are much more rigid than the rubber ones and so do not need to compress and build pressure, making them quicker to respond. Basically, you are sending a hydraulic signal from point a to point b. Liquids do not compress, so the only remaining factor is the housing they are in.
My personal experience with them is that I like the pedal feel better. It is more responsive since the rubber is not there to absorb the vibrations.
Now, our cars only have the hydraulics from the SBC unit to the corners. We are drive by wire from the pedal to the unit. This means two things for us. First, the difference you will notice is less, since you have less rubber to stretch anyway. Second, we have no pedal feel anyway so that advantage goes away.
The bad? I have heard of many SS lines snapping, since they are so rigid. They aren't that expensive and can be done easily so your call.
In theory, the SS lines are much more rigid than the rubber ones and so do not need to compress and build pressure, making them quicker to respond. Basically, you are sending a hydraulic signal from point a to point b. Liquids do not compress, so the only remaining factor is the housing they are in.
My personal experience with them is that I like the pedal feel better. It is more responsive since the rubber is not there to absorb the vibrations.
Now, our cars only have the hydraulics from the SBC unit to the corners. We are drive by wire from the pedal to the unit. This means two things for us. First, the difference you will notice is less, since you have less rubber to stretch anyway. Second, we have no pedal feel anyway so that advantage goes away.
The bad? I have heard of many SS lines snapping, since they are so rigid. They aren't that expensive and can be done easily so your call.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 8
From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
SS lines do improve pedal feel, especially on cars with no or very low levels of brake assist from vacuum or hydraulic boosters.
However, there really is no difference to be had on the W211 E55 as Jangy points out. The brake by wire removes any improvement in pedal feel that would be there.
However, there really is no difference to be had on the W211 E55 as Jangy points out. The brake by wire removes any improvement in pedal feel that would be there.
